AGA (Androgenetic Alopecia) Medications Can Be Prescribed at a Dermatology Clinic | Effects and Costs of Propecia, Zagallo, and Minoxidil
目次
"I'm starting to worry about thinning hair," "I'd like to be checked for AGA," "I'd like a prescription for Propecia" — AGA treatment drugs can be prescribed not only by dermatologists and urologists, but also by internal medicine doctors. At our clinic, after a consultation and examination, we can prescribe Propecia, Zagarro, and Minoxidil.
👉 Same-day visits without an appointment are also possible. Please feel free to consult us first.
What is AGA?
AGA (Androgenetic Alopecia) is a progressive form of hair loss that occurs when DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a type of male hormone, acts on the dermal papilla, disrupting the hair cycle. It is said to affect approximately 30% of Japanese men, and if left untreated, it gradually progresses.
|
Feature |
Content |
|---|---|
|
Age of onset |
Can start in 20s. Prevalence increases with age. |
|
Progression pattern |
Receding hairline (M-shape) / Thinning at the crown (O-shape) / or both (U-shape) |
|
Cause |
Genetic predisposition + influence of male hormones (DHT). DHT is converted from testosterone by 5α-reductase. |
|
If left untreated |
Progresses if not treated. Earlier treatment leads to better results. |
Types and effects of treatment drugs
|
Drug Name |
Ingredient |
Action |
Time to effect |
Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Finasteride (Propecia, etc.) |
Finasteride |
Inhibits 5α-reductase type II and suppresses DHT production |
3-6 months |
First-line treatment for AGA. Most widely used. |
|
Dutasteride (Zagarro, etc.) |
Dutasteride |
Inhibits both 5α-reductase types I and II. More strongly suppresses DHT. |
3-6 months |
More potent than Propecia. For severe cases or when Propecia is insufficient. |
|
Minoxidil (topical) |
Minoxidil |
Improves blood flow to the scalp and activates hair papilla to promote hair growth. |
3-6 months |
Synergistic effect when used with oral medication. Fewer systemic side effects as it is topical. |
|
Minoxidil (oral) |
Minoxidil |
Higher hair growth effect than topical. |
3-6 months |
More effective than topical, but beware of side effects (swelling, palpitations). |
Estimated Cost
|
Drug |
Estimated Monthly Cost (Self-Pay) |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|
|
Finasteride (Generic) |
7,900 yen |
Generic for Propecia. Most affordable. |
|
Dutasteride (Generic) |
4,500 yen |
Generic for Zagarro. |
|
Oral Minoxidil |
4,500 yen |
Equivalent to generic for RiUP. |
AGA treatment drugs are self-pay. Costs can be reduced by using generic medications. Initial consultation and follow-up fees are separate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can AGA be treated at an internal medicine clinic?
Yes, AGA treatment drugs can be prescribed by an internal medicine doctor. At our clinic, after a consultation and examination, we can prescribe finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil.
Q. Which is better, Propecia or Zagarro?
Generally, finasteride (Propecia) is started first, and if the effect is insufficient, it is often switched to dutasteride (Zagarro). Dutasteride is more potent but also more expensive.
Q. Can women also use AGA treatment drugs?
Finasteride and dutasteride cannot be used by women (especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant). Female hair loss (FAGA) requires different treatment. Please consult us.
Q. When will I see results?
Generally, you will start to feel the effects in 3 to 6 months, and the maximum effect will appear in 1 year. If you stop taking the medication, the effect will disappear and hair loss will progress again, so continuous use is essential.
Visit Flow
-
Online reservation or walk-in
If you have severe pain or fever, please contact us by phone. We will guide you through the process for your visit. -
Reception and filling out the medical questionnaire
Please indicate when, where, what symptoms you have, the material of the piercing you are using, and any past piercing troubles. -
Doctor's examination
The extent and severity of the inflammation will be determined by visual inspection and palpation. A bacterial culture test will be performed if necessary. -
Treatment and prescription
Depending on the severity, treatments such as topical or oral antibiotics, disinfection, and incision and drainage will be performed. -
Guidance on home care
We will carefully explain how to clean, disinfect, whether or not to remove piercings, and precautions in daily life. -
Payment and departure
We will provide advice on the approximate time for your next visit and how to prevent recurrence.
Consultation Hours and Access
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Clinic Name | Jujo Station Haru Internal Medicine and Dermatology Clinic |
| Consultation Hours | Monday - Sunday, from 9 AM. Wednesdays until 8 PM, Fridays and Saturdays until 9 PM, Sundays until 7 PM. |
| Closed | None (Irregular holidays) |
| Location | J&MALL 1F, 2-27-1 Kamijujo, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0034 |
| For those arriving by train/on foot | Approximately 1-2 minutes walk from JR Saikyo Line "Jujo Station", J&MALL (J-Mall) 1F |
| For those arriving by bus | Right in front of the Kokusai Kogyo Bus "Jujo Station" bus stop |
| For those arriving by car | Please use a nearby coin parking lot. |
| Contact | TEL: 03-6698-2509 / Official LINE:https://lin.ee/AL0fp3z |
